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Abstract:

An assembly for avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld
and methods of using the assembly. A device in the shape of a wishbone,
limited to having only first and second bodies. Each of the first and
second bodies have first and second ends. The first ends of the first and
second bodies are releasably coupled at a union of the first ends of the
first and second bodies. The device is open between the second ends of
the first and second bodies when the first ends of the first and second
bodies are releasably coupled at the union of the first ends of the first
and second bodies. The method for avoiding breaking a weak design
characteristic or a weld comprises providing the device and separating
the releasably coupled first ends of the first and second bodies of the
device.

Claims:

1. A break resistant assembly, comprising: a device in the shape of a
wishbone, limited to having only first and second bodies, wherein each of
the first and second bodies have first and second heads, first and second
angles, and first and second distal ends, wherein the first heads of the
first and second bodies are releasably coupled at a union of the first
and second heads of the first and second bodies, and wherein the assembly
is open between the first and second distal ends of the first and second
bodies when the first and second heads of the first and second bodies are
releasably coupled at the union of the first and second heads of the
first and second bodies, or wherein the device is a closed annulus when
the first and second heads of the first and second bodies are releasably
coupled at the union of the first and second heads of the first and
second bodies.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a lateral inner surface of each first
and second arms between the angle and the distal end has a concave shape,
and a lateral outer surface between the angle and the distal end has a
convex shape.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the arms of each body gradually
flattens and the flat surfaces of the arms are turned inwardly.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein opposing inner surface(s) of the
union comprise permanent magnets oriented so that they have a magnetic
attraction.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein one opposing inner surface of the
first and second heads comprises a magnetizable material and the other
opposing inner surface of the first and second heads comprises a
permanent magnet.

6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein one of the permanent magnets is
embedded in the first end of one arm and is recessed in the first end of
one arm, and the other permanent magnet protrudes from the respective
opposing inner surface of the first end of the other arm

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the magnetizable material protrudes
from the respective opposing inner surface of the first end of one arm
and the permanent magnet is embedded in the first end of the other arm
and recessed in the first end of the other arm, and vice versa.

8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the permanent magnets are embedded in
and flush with each respective opposing inner surface.

9. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the permanent magnet and the
magnetizable material are embedded in and flush with each respective
opposing inner surface.

10. The assembly of claim 4, wherein opposing inner surfaces of the first
ends of each first and second body are releasably coupled utilizing at
least one alignment guide(s) selected from the group consisting of nub
and depression guide(s), and post and socket guide(s).

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein one opposing inner surface includes
a socket adapted for receiving the at least one alignment guide(s)
therein.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein one opposing inner surface is a
depression adapted for receiving the nub therein.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material of construction of the
assembly is selected from the group consisting of plastic, gold, stone,
glass, pewter, silver, bone, platinum, and stainless steel.

14. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: a chain having first and second
ends, wherein the first end of the chain is operably coupled to the first
arm of the first body of the assembly and the second end of the chain is
operably coupled to the second arm of the of the second body of the
device.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the operable coupling is selected
from the group consisting of an eye hook, a transverse opening through
the first ends of the first and second bodies, a molded loop, a
bridge/tunnel clasp, and combinations thereof.

16. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: a chain having first and second
ends, wherein the first end of the chain has been threaded through an
operable coupling located on the first ends of the first and second
bodies of the device and operably coupled to the chain.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the operable coupling is selected
from the group consisting of an eye hook, a transverse opening through
the first ends of the first and second bodies, a molded loop, a
bridge/tunnel clasp, and combinations thereof.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the chain is a bracelet or
necklace.

19. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: a chain having first and second
ends, wherein the first and second ends of the chain have been operably
coupled to operable couplings located on the first and second distal ends
of the first and second bodies of the device.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the operable coupling is selected
from the group consisting of an eye hook, a transverse opening through
the first ends of the first and second bodies, a molded loop, a
bridge/tunnel clasp, and combinations thereof.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the chain is a bracelet or
necklace.

22. A method for releasably decoupling a assembly, comprising: providing
a device in the shape of a wishbone, wherein the device comprises first
and second bodies, and wherein each first and second body comprises first
and second heads, first and second arms, and first and second angles,
therebetween; and separating the releasably coupled first and second
heads to avoid breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first and second heads of the
first and second bodies are releasably coupled at a union between
permanent magnets embedded in the inner lateral surfaces of the first and
second heads of the first and second bodies.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein separating alignment guides of the
releasably coupled first and second heads of the first and second bodies
of the device results in a snapping or popping sound associated with the
breaking of a bird's wishbone.

25. A kit for avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld,
comprising: a chain; and a device in the shape of a wishbone, limited to
having only first and second bodies, wherein each of the first and second
bodies have first and second arms, wherein first ends of the first and
second bodies are releasably coupled at a union of the first ends of the
first and second bodies, and wherein the device is open between the
second ends of the first and second bodies when the first ends of the
first and second bodies are releasably coupled at the union of the first
ends of the first and second bodies, or wherein the device is a closed
annulus when the first and second heads of the first and second bodies
are releasably coupled at the union of the first and second heads of the
first and second bodies.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the chain is a necklace or bracelet.

27. An assembly for avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a
weld, consisting essentially of: a device in the shape of a wishbone,
limited to having only first and second bodies, wherein each of the first
and second bodies have first and second heads, first and second angles,
and first and second distal ends, wherein the first heads of the first
and second bodies are releasably coupled at a union of the first heads of
the first and second bodies, and wherein the device is open between the
first and second distal ends of the first and second bodies when the
first and second heads of the first and second bodies are releasably
coupled at the union of the first and second heads of the first and
second bodies, or wherein the device is a closed annulus when the first
and second heads of the first and second bodies are releasably coupled at
the union of the first and second heads of the first and second bodies.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices having welds or
design characteristics that may be weak regions where there is an
increased probability to break, and methods of using, thereof. More
specifically, the present invention relates to jewelry having welds or
design characteristics that may be weak regions where there is an
increased probability to break, and methods of using, thereof.

2. BACKGROUND

[0003] Devices having welds or design characteristics that may be weak
regions may have an increased probability to break when put under stress,
for example during storage in a suitcase or during normal usage.

[0004] There is a need in the industry to protect weak regions of devices
from breakage due to stress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides an assembly,
comprising: a device in the shape of a wishbone, limited to having only
first and second bodies, wherein each of the first and second bodies have
first and second heads, first and second angles, and first and second
distal ends, wherein the first heads of the first and second bodies are
releasably coupled at a union of the first heads of the first and second
bodies, and wherein the device is open between the first and second
distal ends of the first and second bodies when the first and second
heads of the first and second bodies are releasably coupled at the union
of the first and second heads of the first and second bodies, or wherein
the device is a closed annulus when the first and second heads of the
first and second bodies are releasably coupled at the union of the first
and second heads of the first and second bodies.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for
avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld, comprising:
providing a device in the shape of a wishbone, wherein the device
comprises first and second bodies, and wherein each first and second body
comprises first and second heads, first and second arms, and first and
second angles, therebetween; and separating the releasably coupled first
and second heads to Indicate the making of the wish.

[0007] A third aspect of the present invention provides a kit for avoiding
breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld, comprising: a chain; and
a device in the shape of a wishbone, limited to having only first and
second bodies, wherein each of the first and second bodies have first and
second ends, wherein the first ends of the first and second bodies are
releasably coupled at a union of the first ends of the first and second
bodies, and wherein the device is open between the second ends of the
first and second bodies when the first ends of the first and second
bodies are releasably coupled at the union of the first ends of the first
and second bodies.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an assembly,
consisting essentially of: a device in the shape of a wishbone, limited
to having only first and second bodies, wherein each of the first and
second bodies have first and second heads, first and second angles, and
first and second distal ends, wherein the first heads of the first and
second bodies are releasably coupled at a union of the first heads of the
first and second bodies, and wherein the device is open between the first
and second distal ends of the first and second bodies when the first and
second heads of the first and second bodies are releasably coupled at the
union of the first and second heads of the first and second bodies, or
wherein the device is a closed annulus when the first and second heads of
the first and second bodies are releasably coupled at the union of the
first and second heads of the first and second bodies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] The features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
The invention itself, however, will be best understood by reference to
the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of an assembly, having a post and
socket alignment guides, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention;

[0011] FIG. 1B depicts an exploded plan view of the alignment guide(s).
depicted in FIG. 1A, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of the assembly, having a bridge and
tunnel operable coupling, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a top plan view of the assembly, having a protruding
and embedded permanent magnet releasable coupling and alignment guides,
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a plan view of the assembly depicted in FIG. 2,
wherein the bridge and tunnel operable coupling has been replaced with a
molded loop coupling, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention;

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of an assembly, having a chain
threaded through an operable coupling, in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an
assembly, in which the operable coupling is coupled to proximal ends of
the first and second bodies, in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts of an alternative embodiment of an assembly, in
which an opening of a device of the assembly may become a closed annulus,
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of the assembly depicted in FIG. 6,
in which the operable coupling is coupled to distal ends of the first and
second bodies, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
and

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram depicting a method for avoiding
breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The invention meets a need in the art by providing devices, e.g.
jewelry, e.g. wishbone-shaped jewelry, wherein first and second bodies
are releasably coupled. The releasably coupled first and second bodies
easily decouple at releasably coupled unions without breaking weak
regions such as welds or tapered regions. Therefore the devices are
advantageously reusable because the decoupled unions, after being
decoupled, may be re-coupled, to restore the original appearance of the
device, because welds or design characteristics that may be weak regions
in the device have not been fractured.

[0021] The devices of the present invention may have the shape of a
wishbone. The wishbone, known in anatomy as the furcula, is a fused
clavicle bone found in birds that is shaped like the letter "Y". The
devices of the present invention having first and second bodies also may
be oriented in a wishbone shape represented by the letter "Y". In this
embodiment, the first and second bodies have a plane of symmetry that
runs along the union between the first and second bodies. The first and
second bodies, each being of unitary construction, may comprise first and
second heads, first and second arms, and first and second angles,
therebetween, respectively.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first and second bodies may have design
characteristics or welds may be regions of weakness, so there may be an
increased probability to break if torsional forces or forces that move
the first and second bodies in opposite antiparallel directions are
applied. For example, the first and second bodies of the wishbone shaped
devices of the present invention may taper or narrow in diameter at the
first and second angles of the first and second bodies, or may taper or
narrow in diameter at the portion of the first and second bodies lying
between the first and second arms, and the first and second heads. The
tapered or narrowed regions where the first and second bodies may taper
or narrow in diameter at the first and second angles of the first and
second bodies, or the portion of the first and second bodies lying
between the first and second arms, and the first and second heads may be
weakened, so there is an increased probability to break when torsional
forces or forces that move the first and second bodies in opposite
antiparallel directions are applied. Said torsional forces may be applied
when the devices of the present invention are stored under stress, e.g.
in an overpacked suitcase, because of which torsional forces or forces
that move the first and second bodies in opposite antiparallel directions
are unintentionally applied, resulting in an increased probability of
breakage at the weak regions. In this embodiment, the unintentionally
applied torsional forces or forces that move the first and second bodies
in opposite antiparallel directions may be automatically relieved by
decoupling the releasably coupled heads of the first and second bodies.
Thus, the releasable coupling between the heads of the first and second
bodies may be a safety device installed between the heads of the first
and second bodies that is designed to decouple in the case of a
mechanical overload, preventing other, weakened regions of the wishbone
shaped devices from being damaged when the wishbone shaped devices
experience unintentionally applied torsional forces or forces that move
the first and second bodies in opposite antiparallel directions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the device is advantageously reusable because
the first and second bodies being releasably coupled means the first and
second bodies may be repetitively de-coupled, for which decoupling is a
step in a method of removing an assembly, e.g. a necklace, or bracelet,
of which the wishbone shaped device is a component, then coupled to
restore the original appearance of the device, so the first and second
bodies may be de-coupled again.

[0024] People who believe that breaking a wishbone is a step in a process
that foretells whether a wish made, will be granted, will be able to
substitute the devices of the present invention, instead of authentic
wishbones derived from birds. Alternatively, wishbone shaped devices,
e.g., necklaces or bracelets may be purchased for their perceived value
because they are perceived as providing good luck, i.e., as charms. In
addition, the devices of the present invention may be advantageously
reusable and free from filth, infection, or dangers to health. Use of the
devices of the present invention is more economical in terms of cost,
availability, as well as being more humane compared to use of the
authentic wishbones derived from birds.

[0025] In addition, the devices of the present invention may be
advantageously used as jewelry, or charms compared to the authentic
wishbone derived from birds because they are capable of being more
attractive and customizable to a particular taste or fashion.

I. DEFINITIONS

[0026] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the singular forms "a",
"an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a post or socket"
includes a plurality of such posts and sockets, and so forth.

[0027] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the term "reiterate" or
"reiteratively" means to repeat: to say, state, or perform again.

[0028] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the term "releasably
coupling" or "releasably coupled" or "releasably joined" is defined as
forming or braking or cleaving or severing of a mechanical coupling
between the union 50 of the first heads 24, 22 of the first and second
bodies 23, 21, depicted in FIGS. 1A, 2-6 and described in associated
text, herein.

[0029] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the phrase, "[A]pparatus
or method for avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld"
means a reusable apparatus having or using the releasable coupling of the
present invention to avoid breaking a weak design characteristic or a
weld instead of a non reusable wishbone.

[0030] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the terms `distal end"
and "proximal end" refer to opposite ends of the first or second arm 15,
20, having first and second heads 24, 22, wherein the proximal ends 69,
68 are closest to the first and second heads 24, 22 and the distal ends
58, 56 are farthest from the first and second heads 24, 22.

[0031] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the terms `distal end"
and "proximal end" refer to opposite ends of the first or second bodies
23, 21, having first and second heads 24, 22, wherein the proximal ends
69, 68 are closest to the first and second heads 24, 22 and the distal
ends 58, 56 are farthest from the first and second heads 24, 22.

[0032] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the term "nubs and
depressions" is defined as a bump or a cavity, respectively, on either
respective opposing lateral inner surface 39, 38 of the first and second
heads 24, 22.

[0033] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the term "posts and
sockets" is defined as any appropriate compression fitting comprising a
compressible male end that fits into a female end, and forms a seal or
union between the male and female ends when the male end expands. An
example of a post and socket compression fitting is the ball and socket
compression fitting, in which the male ball compresses to fit into the
female socket and then expands to form a releasably coupled seal or
union.

[0034] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the term "unitary
construction" is defined as being one piece.

[0035] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the term "torsional
force" is defined as a type of force that twists the first and second
bodies 23, 21 so the first and second heads of the 24, 22, can be
decoupled, thereby deforming the union 50.

[0036] FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of an assembly 10, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. The assembly 10 comprises: a device
5, limited to having only first and second bodies 23, 21, respectively.
Therefore, each first and second body 23, 21, has unitary construction.

[0037] In one embodiment, the device 5 may have the shape of a wishbone.
The wishbone, known in anatomy as the furcula, is a fused clavicle bone
found in birds that is shaped like the letter "Y". The first and second
bodies 23, 21 also may be oriented in a wishbone shape represented by the
letter "Y". In this embodiment, the first and second bodies 23, 21 have a
plane of symmetry that runs along union 50 between the first and second
bodies 23, 21, when the first and second bodies 23, 21 are releasably
coupled, as depicted in FIGS. 5-7.

[0038] The first and second bodies 23, 21, each being of unitary
construction, comprise first and second heads 24, 22, first and second
arms 15, 20, and first and second angles 54, 52, therebetween,
respectively.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first and second bodies 23, 21 taper or
narrow in diameter at the first and second angles 54, 52 of the first and
second bodies 23, 21, or the portion of the first and second bodies 23,
21 lying between the first and second arms 15, 20, and the first and
second heads 24, 22.

[0040] The first and second heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies
23, 21 are releasably coupled at a union 50 of the first heads 24, 22 of
the first and second bodies 23, 21, depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2-4, and 8,
and described in associated text, herein. The union 50 may be formed by
releasably coupling first head 24 of first body 23 with first head 22 of
second body 21.

[0041] In one embodiment, the assembly 5 consists essentially of only two
pieces, e.g. the first and second bodies 23, 21, wherein the releasably
coupled first and second heads 24, 22 may be decoupled by moving each of
the first and second heads 24, 22 in antiparallel directions, i.e.,
parallel but oppositely directed directions, wherein one of the first and
second heads 24, 22 is moved in the direction shown by the arrow 33.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first and second heads 24, 22 of the first
and second bodies 23, 21 may be releasably coupled by the attractive
forces of permanent magnets 30, 25 inset in an inner surface 39, 38 of
the first and second heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21.
The permanent magnets 30, 25 are inset in the inner surface 39, 38 of the
first and second heads 24, 22 so that the inner surfaces 39, 38 may be
even and smooth, because the permanent magnets 30, 25 do not interrupt
the even, smooth inner surfaces 39, 38.

[0043] FIG. 1B depicts an exploded plan view of the alignment guide(s) 60,
62, in which the alignment guide(s) 60, 62 are nubs and depressions,
respectively.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, the term "releasably coupling" and
"releasably coupled" is defined as forming a union, e.g., union 50, by
mechanically joining the first and second heads 24, 22 of the first and
second bodies 23, 21, e.g., by moving the first head 24 of the first body
23 in a direction of the arrow 33, so that it becomes releasably coupled
or releasably joined to the first head 22 of the first body 23.

[0045] In one embodiment, decoupling the releasably coupled first and
second heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 may result in a
snapping or breaking sound when torsional forces or forces that move the
heads 24, 22 in antiparallel directions are applied against the force of
attraction of the magnets, releasing the first and second heads 24, 22.

[0046] In like manner, decoupling the releasably coupled first and second
heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 may result in a
snapping or breaking sound when torsional forces or forces that move the
heads 24, 22 in antiparallel directions are applied to decouple the
alignment guide(s) 60, 62, releasing the first and second heads 24, 22.

[0047] FIG. 1A depicts the device 5 may have an opening 29 between the
first and second distal ends 58, 56 of the first and second bodies 23, 21
when the first heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 are
releasably coupled at the union 50 of the first and second heads 24, 22
of the first and second bodies 23, 21. Releasably coupling and decoupling
the first and second heads 24, 22 at the union 50 enables the device 5 to
be re-coupled after it decouples to relieve torsional force from being
applied to the weak design characteristics or welds of the device 5.

[0048] The operable coupling 26 is selected from the group consisting of
an eye hook, a molded loop, a bridge/tunnel clasp, and combinations
thereof. The term "operable coupling" is defined as forming a union,
e.g., union 27, by mechanically joining the first and second ends 64, 66
of the chain 28, e.g., by linking the last link of the chain 28 with the
operable coupling 26, so that the last link of the chain 28 and the
operable coupling become mechanically joined.

[0049] FIGS. 7-8 depict an alternative embodiment in which the opening 29
of the device 5 may become a closed annulus 90 when the first heads 24,
22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 are releasably coupled at the
union 50 of the first heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21,
and the first and second distal ends 58, 56 come together so the first
and second distal ends 58, 56 become coextensive. In this embodiment, the
device 5 may be a bracelet, or a necklace.

[0050] In one embodiment, a lateral inner surface 32, 31 of each first and
second arm(s) 15, 20, between the angles 54, 52 and the distal ends 58,
56 advantageously has a concave shape, and the corresponding lateral
outer surface 36, 34 of each first and second arm(s) 15, 20, between the
angles 54, 52 and the distal ends 58, 56 advantageously has a convex
shape.

[0051] In one embodiment, the lateral inner surface 32, 31 of each first
and second arm(s) 15, 20, between the angles 54, 52 and the distal ends
58, 56 and the corresponding lateral outer surface 36, 34 of each first
and second arm(s) 15, 20, between the angles 54, 52 and the distal ends
58, 56 advantageously gradually flatten and the flat surfaces of the arms
15, 20 are turned inwardly.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, opposing inner lateral
surface(s) 39, 38 of the first and second heads 24, 22 comprise permanent
magnets 30, 25 oriented so that they have a magnetic attraction.

[0053] In one embodiment, one opposing lateral inner surface 39, 38 of the
first and second heads 24, 22 comprises a magnetizable material and the
other opposing inner surface 39, 38 of the first and second heads 24, 22
comprises a permanent magnet 30, 25.

[0054] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment in which one of the permanent magnets
106, 108 may be embedded in the first head 24, 22 of the first and second
bodies 23, 21 so it may be recessed in the first head 24, 22 of the first
and second bodies 23, 21, and the other permanent magnet 106, 108
protrudes from the respective opposing lateral inner surface 39, 38 of
the first head 24, 22 of the other first and second bodies 23, 21.

[0055] In one embodiment, depicted by FIG. 3, the magnetizable material
may protrude from the respective opposing lateral inner surface 39, 38 of
the first and second heads 24, 22 and the permanent magnet 106, 108 may
be embedded in the first head 24, 22 of one first and second body 23, 21
and recessed in the first head 24, 22 of the other first and second body
23, 21, and vice versa.

[0056] In one embodiment, depicted by FIG. 1A, the permanent magnets 30,
25 may be embedded in and flush with each respective opposing lateral
inner surface 39, 38 of the first and second heads 24, 22.

[0057] In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 30, 25 and the magnetizable
material may be embedded in and flush with each respective opposing
lateral inner surface 39, 38 of the first and second heads 24, 22.

[0058] FIGS. 2-3 depict a plan view of the assembly 10, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In FIGS. 2-3, opposing lateral
inner surfaces 39, 38 of the first heads 24, 22 of each arm 15, 20 may be
releasably coupled utilizing at least one alignment guide(s) 60, 62, 106,
108,

[0059] FIGS. 1B, 2 depict an embodiment in which the alignment guide(s)
60, 62, may be nubs and depressions, respectively. Alternatively,
alignment guide(s) 60, 62, may be posts and sockets.

[0060] In one embodiment, the post and socket may be a compression
fitting, e.g., ball and socket.

[0061] In one embodiment, a compressible ring may circumscribe the post so
that the ring may expand after the ball is fitted into the socket.

[0062] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment in which the alignment guide(s) 106,
108 may be permanent magnets or a permanent magnet and magnetizable
material, respectively.

[0063] In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 1A, one opposing inner surface
39, 38 includes a socket 62 adapted for receiving at least one alignment
guide(s) 60, and vice versa.

[0064] In one embodiment, one opposing inner surface 39, 38 the socket 62
may be a depression adapted for receiving at least one alignment guide(s)
60, 62, e.g., a nub, therein.

[0065] In one embodiment, the material of construction of the symbolic
device 5 is selected from the group consisting of plastic, gold, stone,
glass, pewter, silver, platinum, bone, and stainless steel.

[0066] FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of the assembly 10, comprising
a chain 28 having first and second ends 64, 66, wherein the first end 64
of the chain 28 is operably coupled to the first body 23 of the first arm
15 of the device 5 and the second end 66 of the chain 28 is operably
coupled to the second body 21 of the of the second arm 20 of the device
5, as depicted in FIG. 2 and described herein. The chain 28, 70, 92 may
be a ornamental chain, or a necklace, made of gold, e.g., 14 or 24 carat
gold, platinum or silver links, gold or silver plated metals, alloys, or
polished stainless steel.

[0067] FIG. 4 depicts the assembly 10, in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment in which the operable
coupling 35 is selected from the group consisting of an eye hook, a
molded loop, a bridge/tunnel clasp, and combinations thereof. The term
"operable coupling" is defined as forming a union, e.g., union 37, by
mechanically joining the first and second ends 64, 66 of the chain 28,
e.g., by linking the last link of the chain 28 with the operable coupling
35, so that the last link of the chain 28 and the operable coupling
become mechanically joined.

[0068] FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of the symbolic assembly 10,
comprising: a chain 70 having first and second ends 74, 76. The first end
74 of the chain 70 has been threaded through the operable coupling 78
located in the first heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21
of the device 5 and operably coupled to the chain 70.

[0069] In one embodiment, FIG. 6 depicts the operable coupling 78 is
selected from the group consisting of an eye hook, a transverse opening
through the first ends of the first and second bodies 23, 21, a molded
loop, a bridge/tunnel clasp, and combinations thereof.

[0070] FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of the symbolic assembly 10,
comprising: a chain 92 having first and second ends 94, 96, wherein the
first and second ends 94, 96 of the chain 92 have been operably coupled
to operable couplings 98, 100 located on the first and second distal ends
58, 56 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 of the device 5.

[0071] In one embodiment, the operable couplings include an eye hook, a
molded loop, a transverse opening through the first ends of the first and
second bodies 23, 21, or a bridge/tunnel clasp.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram depicting a method 200 for
avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld. In a step 210
of the method 200, an assembly 10, comprising a device 5 is provided. The
device 5 comprises first and second bodies 23, 21, in the shape of a
wishbone. Each of the first and second bodies 23, 21 have first and
second heads 24, 22, first and second angles 54, 52, and first and second
distal ends 58, 56. The first and second heads 24, 22 are releasably
coupled.

[0073] In a step 220 of the method 200, the releasably coupled first and
second heads 24, 22 are decoupled to enable a wearer to remove the
assembly 10 from her neck if the assembly 10 is a necklace or from her
wrist if the assembly 10 is a bracelet, and also avoiding breaking a weak
design characteristic or a weld.

[0074] In one embodiment of the step 210 of the method 200, the first and
second heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 are releasably
coupled at a union 50 between permanent magnets 30, 25 embedded in the
inner lateral surfaces 39, 38 of the first and second heads 24, 22 of the
first and second bodies 23, 21.

[0075] In one embodiment of the step 220 of the method 200, the wearer of
the assembly 10 decouples the first and second heads 24, 22 to enable the
wearer to remove the assembly 10 from her neck if the assembly 10 is a
necklace or from her wrist if the assembly 10 is a bracelet, by applying
torsional forces to the first and second distal ends 58, 56 of the of the
first and second bodies 23, 21 of the device 5, without breaking a weak
design characteristic or a weld.

[0076] In one embodiment, separating or decoupling alignment guides 60,
62, or permanent magnets 30, 25, or permanent magnet/magnetizable
material 106, 108 of the releasably coupled first and second heads 24, 22
of the first and second bodies 23, 21 of the device 5 results in a
snapping or popping sound associated with the breaking of a bird's
wishbone.

[0077] In one embodiment, a clean break, essentially completely along
union 50 results from separating or decoupling alignment guides 60, 62,
or permanent magnets 30, 25, 106, 108 of the releasably coupled first and
second heads 24, 22 of the first and second bodies 23, 21 of the device
5, so that the lateral inner surfaces 36, 34 of the first and second
heads 24, 22 remain smooth and even, except where the alignment guides
may protrude.

[0078] The foregoing description of the embodiments of this invention has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form
disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible.
Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person
skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of this
invention as defined by the accompanying claims.